A well-meaning manager asked me to pass along this thought:
Several years ago, in advance of the first RIFs, the newsroom collected money and divided it among those who lost their jobs. This manager said he had heard that the money was very helpful. And suggested that if someone not a manager wanted to create such a fund now, that it might be helpful this time.
I told him that I was distantly linked to that fund back then. That it was a lot of work. That we started collecting well in advance of the RIF. That there had been a lot more of us.
He was not comfortable making the suggestion publicly and asked a reporter -- me -- if I would try to get it onto this blog. Because he knows I'm the kind of person who posts comments on this blog. Which I am.
Somebody stepped up to create this blog. Perhaps someone will want to step up to try to administer a rapid collection. If you do so, I expect you'd find *some* financial support among the managers.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
An idea among the comments
This was buried inside the comments on an earlier post. It's an idea that somebody might be interested in following up on. If not, please do not insult the post-er or the idea. Everyone is trying to come up with ways to make what is terrible a little less bad. Is this a good way? A reader writes:
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TELL YOUR MANAGER TO KEEP HIS OR HER GUILT MONEY.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who contributed to this fund when the opportunity came - both as a DMNer and after I took a buyout - I'd like to know if and when I can help.
ReplyDeleteThinking of all of you.
I also contributed (twice) to this fund back then. No regrets! It would help enormously now. The severance package was an insult this time. Specially for those of us who were underpaid and overworked to begin with. I, for one, need all the help I can get!
ReplyDeleteI was a recipient from the fund in 2001. It meant a lot, not just because of the money, but the gesture of support from those still working.
ReplyDeleteThere was no such fund gathered for those of us who were laid off last October, but then we got a better severance package than those who were axed this time (though not as good as those were let go in 2004). Anything that can help people -- especially people with families and serious health issues -- would probably be appreciated, especially coming from their peers. As for it being "guilt money"... well, believe me, the managers aren't enjoying this either. It's misery over there for everyone who is left.
ReplyDeleteFor the record: The severance package for 2004, while better than this one, was unimpressive. It was one week's pay for every year of service, with I believe two weeks for every year over 20 (and there was a cap in there somewhere, perhaps at 26 weeks, maybe more). Health insurance till the end of November (layoff was Oct. 27). And, apparently for some people, a charge deducted for your subscription for all of your severance time. Having said all that, the collection from our peers was both helpful and heartening.
ReplyDeleteIf this severance package caps at 10 weeks, it's the same whether you have 8 years or 40 years experience with Belo - another example of management's "moral and ethical" RIF.
ReplyDeleteI was a contributer to the fund in 2001. Today, i walk away with 10 weeks severance pay after more than 13 years with this company. It would be helpful, especially with no spouse and therefore no other income to rely on . This is terrifying. But i know that everyone is worried about their own futures right now, more than ever.
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